Scholarships for J&K youth for higher studies outside state

Students clearing their Class XII or equivalent from CBSE-affiliated schools in Jammu and Kashmir will be eligible for scholarships for pursuing higher studies outside the state.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the amendments in the special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir by including students who pass Class XII or equivalent exam from CBSE-affiliated schools in the state.

Earlier this scheme was open to only those students who passed Class XII or the equivalent exam from the J&K Board, an official release said.

"This would increase the inclusivity of the scheme and would make many more students eligible to avail the benefit under this scheme. This revision would be effective from the academic year 2011-12," it added.

An Expert Group constituted by the Prime Minister in August 2010 to formulate jobs plan, involving the public and private sectors, had suggested offering fresh scholarships for the next five years to encourage the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to pursue higher studies outside the state.

Accordingly, a Central Sector Scheme was devised for payment of scholarship to students belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing general degree courses, engineering, medical studies and other professional courses in government colleges, institutes and other reputed institutes located outside the state.